MLB Player News

Hamels (personal) is on track to be activated from the paternity list this weekend and start Saturday against the Brewers, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hamels left the team Tuesday to be with his wife, Heidi, for the birth of the couple's fifth child. Due to an off day Monday, the Cubs didn't require a replacement in the rotation for Hamels, who will take the hill Saturday on five days' rest. Hamels will look to cap a rough month on a high note after posting a 7.29 ERA and 1.90 WHIP through his first five starts of August.

Gomber (biceps) fired a scoreless first inning during which he allowed one hit and didn't record any walks or strikeouts in his most recent rehab appearance for Double-A Springfield last Monday.

Gomber started the game and fired a modest 11 pitches overall, getting seven into the strike zone. The solid opening frame was a welcome sight after Gomber was hit hard in his rehab debut for High-A Palm Beach last Friday and lasted just one-third of an inning.

Maeda gave up gave up two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out three through five innings in a no-decision against the Padres on Wednesday.

Maeda ran into trouble early, allowing two runs in the first inning before delivering four scoreless innings. The 31-year-old was pulled after 79 pitches and has only pitched more than five innings twice in his last nine starts. The right-hander has a 4.26 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP in his last five starts. Maeda is scheduled for his next start Tuesday against the Rockies at Dodger Stadium.

Hendricks allowed six earned runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out three across 4.2 innings Wednesday against the Mets. He did not factor into the decision.

Hendricks was given a 10-run lead but couldn't escape the fifth inning to qualify for a win. Instead, he allowed back-to-back homers in his final frame before allowing three of the next four batters he faced to reach base, ending his outing. While Hendricks has pitched exceptionally well since the start of July, he allowed seven earned runs across 2.2 innings just three starts ago. Despite the few recent rough patches, Hendricks still owns a 3.47 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 148 innings for the campaign. He'll look to bounce back in his next start, currently scheduled for Monday against Seattle.

Syndergaard (9-7) allowed 10 runs (nine earned) on nine hits and a walk while striking out five in three innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Cubs.

Things got off track early for Syndergaard, as he allowed seven baserunners in the first inning, capped by a two-run homer off the bat of Ian Happ. He also surrendered two-run homers in both the second and third frames, adding to his horrendous effort. Syndergaard had been in the midst of a dominant stretch, posting a 1.82 ERA across eight starts since the All-Star break entering Wednesday's contest. He'll look to get back on track in his next start but will have another tough matchup, as he's currently projected to face the Nationals on the road Monday.

Alcantara (4-12) took the loss Wednesday as the Marlins were shut out 5-0 by the Reds, allowing four runs on six hits and a walk over six innings while striking out eight.

The right-hander served up a three-run homer to Aristides Aquino in the first inning, dooming him to his sixth straight losing decision thanks to another ineffectual performance from the Miami offense. Alcantara hasn't recorded a win since June 21, but Wednesday's outing was the first time he hasn't walked multiple batters since June 27. He'll carry a 4.22 ERA and 116:72 K:BB through 155.2 innings into his next start Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

DeSclafani (9-7) picked up the win in Wednesday's 5-0 victory over the Marlins, giving up two hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings while striking out eight.

The right-hander was simply dominant, not allowing a runner into scoring position while firing 71 of 110 pitches for strikes. DeSclafani will take a 4.05 ERA and 139:42 K:BB through 135.2 innings into his next start Monday, at home against the Phillies.

Keller (1-3) struck out eight but allowed eight runs on 11 hits with one walk across four innings while taking a loss against the Phillies on Wednesday.

The rookie was impressive again in the strikeout category, and while he mostly kept the ball in the park, he still allowed five extra-base hits. Giving up hard contact isn't really new for Keller, who's allowed a .362 average against him this season. He has shown glimpses of upside, but his overall big-league numbers are awful -- 8.62 ERA, 1.98 WHIP and 41 strikeouts in 31.1 innings this season. Keller will look to get on track at home against the Marlins on Tuesday.

Velasquez (6-7) allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts across five innings to earn a victory against the Pirates on Wednesday.

Although it wasn't a great start, this was a nice way for Velasquez to rebound after giving up seven runs in his last outing. He continues to have a strong 2.94 strikeouts-to-walks ratio, and opponents are hitting just .251 against him. However, keeping the ball in the park has been an issue, as Velasquez owns a 2.1 HR/9. That's helped lead to a 4.86 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 103 strikeouts in 96.1 innings this season. Velasquez will make his next start at the Reds on Tuesday.

Manager Dave Roberts said May is expected to pitch Sunday at Arizona, but the team has yet to decide on a starter, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

May covered 5.1 innings during Monday's loss to the Padres and was expected to slide into a bullpen role as the Dodgers move back to a five-man rotation, but Sunday's uncertain pitching plan leaves the window open for another starting opportunity. The 21-year-old may end up simply being used as a reliever Sunday, but that won't be known for sure until the Dodgers announce their starter.